Singer G-DRAGON was officially recognized for his contributions to the development of Korean popular culture and the spread of the Korean Wave after receiving the Order of Culture, OK-gwan, from the government of the Republic of Korea. G-DRAGON was recorded as the youngest recipient of the Order of Culture, OK-gwan, in history.
G-DRAGON received the Order of Culture, OK-gwan, at the '16th Korea Popular Culture and Arts Awards' held on the 23rd at the National Theater Haeoreum Theater in Jung-gu, Seoul, together with voice actor Bae Han-seong and the late Jeon Yu-seong.
The Korea Popular Culture and Arts Awards, hosted by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and organized by the Korea Creative Content Agency (KOCCA), is the government honor of highest prestige in the field of popular culture and arts, established to boost the pride of popular culture artists and to raise the social status of the popular culture arts industry. The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, together with KOCCA, solicited nominees in the broadcasting, music, film and performance categories starting on April, and selected winners through a judging panel composed of related experts who conducted a comprehensive review of period of achievement, degree of achievement and social contribution.
The Order of Culture, OK-gwan, which G-DRAGON received, is the second-highest class of decoration in the cultural and arts field and is awarded to individuals who have had national influence and made significant social contributions across various fields such as popular music, performance, broadcasting and the arts. With this honor, G-DRAGON has established his stature as an artist who changed culture across eras and as a cultural president representing Korea.
On receiving the honor, G-DRAGON said, "When I was six, my mother took me to an audition. Since that day I have kept dreaming the same dream: in my teens I realized my dream of becoming a singer, in my 20s I received honors, and in my 30s I received the Order of Culture, OK-gwan, so I am really looking forward to my 40s."
He continued, "When I was young I idolized singers so much, and I still do. I am so proud that I am a singer, and I love what I do," adding, "The seniors who made me dream were shining stars to me every night. I grew up listening to the songs of those stars, and now I have become one of those stars. Next year Big Bang will mark its 20th anniversary, and I want to share this honor with the members," expressing his emotion.
G-DRAGON also said, "I know exactly what to show at each stage, and whether what I want to show the audience is clearly visible seems to be the most important thing. I think music has the power to be felt even if language does not communicate," adding, "I want to be remembered as an artist who established a style as a single, specific figure regardless of era or generation."
Finally he said, "I often say before sleeping, 'Good night, have sweet dreams.' Those words have the power to move the heart," and added, "Good dreams someday become reality and call forth new dreams. Even if they do not become reality, the heart that dreams makes life shine. I hope you all have good dreams today as well," leaving a deep impression.
G-DRAGON was appointed as a publicity ambassador for the 2025 APEC summit in Gyeongju and is taking the lead in promoting Korea, and he is proving his "borderless influence" as he performs worldwide on the world tour G-DRAGON 2025 WORLD TOUR [Übermensch], active beyond Asia to the Americas and Europe.
Starting in Korea and visiting major Asian cities including Tokyo, Bulacan, Osaka, Macau, Sydney, Melbourne, Taipei, Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta and Hong Kong, as well as global stages such as Newark, Las Vegas, Los Angeles and Paris, he has completed every show to great acclaim and even held encore concerts, continuing to lead the global stature of K-pop along with the dignity of a world-class artist.
[Photo] Provided by Galaxy Corporation.
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